The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be the ideal destination for a “polarizing” prospect.
Pro Football Network’s Keff Ciardello thinks the Buccaneers will take Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cameron Ward with the ninth overall choice in the 2025 NFL draft. Ciardello contends that if Tampa Bay selects in the top ten of next year’s draft, they will likely be looking for their next franchise quarterback after signing Baker Mayfield to a three-year contract this summer.
“If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are selecting in the top 10 next April, the chances are that they’ll be in the market for a quarterback, and there’s just as likely a possibility that Cam Ward could develop into the top signal-caller on their board,” writes Ciardello.
According to Ciardello’s forecasts, Ward would be the second quarterback chosen, following Carson Beck of the University of Georgia. Ciardello praises Ward’s skill set, citing his “impressive velocity” and “pinpoint accuracy.”
“Ward is a polarizing prospect who some may consider unworthy of first-round capital, but there’s no denying that his combination of enticing extension ability and pinpoint accuracy on tight-window throws as a result of impressive velocity generation could prove alluring for an NFL franchise,” says Ciardello.
Why Cameron Ward is Considered a Top QB Prospect
Ward, 21, initially declared for the draft after the conclusion of his 2023 season with the Washington State Cougars. However, he changed his mind and opted to transfer to the University of Miami a few weeks later.
Ward, who stands at 6-foot-2, is regarded as one of the nation’s top quarterback prospects. Ward tossed 25 touchdowns and ran for eight more in 2023, with only seven interceptions for a 66.6% completion rate and 3,735 passing yards.
Ward’s 3,880 total yards was third in the Pac-12, while his 33 touchdowns ranked fourth.
Ward, who isn’t a speedy or dual-threat quarterback like many of today’s top prospects, is being likened to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy by NFL Draft Buzz. Despite being the final choice in the 2022 NFL draft, Purdy emerged as a top five MVP candidate during the 2023 season after leading the Niners to a Super Bowl trip.
According to NFL Draft Buzz’s scouting report on Ward, his ball placement and zip are among his strongest attributes.
“Has an NFL arm. Gets the ball from one hash to the opposing sideline quickly. Has the ability to reach tight windows with short and midrange throws. Excellent zip and ball placement on the rapid slant. Good touch down the seam and post-corner, with flag routes to attack the defense vertically and horizontally. Sticks passes into narrow windows over the middle, to a spot on slant, or between zone defenders before the receiver is open.
Why the Buccaneers Could Select Cam Ward in 2025
The Buccaneers signed Mayfield to a three-year contract costing up to $100 million. The transaction was practically inevitable after Mayfield had a career-best season, leading Tampa Bay to an unexpected playoff berth and victory.
Having said that, it’s unclear whether Mayfield will be able to follow up on his great season. The Buccaneers have returned the majority of their important players from last season, but the Atlanta Falcons will be a greater threat with Kirk Cousins in the mix, and it’s worth noting that Mayfield played for three different teams in the previous calendar year in 2022.
If Mayfield falters to the point that the Buccaneers choose in the top ten of next year’s draft, don’t be surprised if Ward is targeted.
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